Born in California, Tom Hanks grew up in what he calls a 'fractured' family. His parents were pioneers in the development of marriage dissolution law in that state, and Tom moved around a lot, living with a succession of step-families. No problems, no abuse, no alcoholism, just a confused childhood. He had no acting experience in college, and in fact credits the fact that he couldn't get cast in a college play with actually starting his career - he went downtown, auditioned for a community theater play, was invited by the director of that play to go to Cleveland, and there his acting career started. He met his second wife, actress Rita Wilson on the set of the movie Volunteers (1985) - they have two children and Tom has another son and daughter by his first wife. In 1996 he made his first step behind the camera, directing as well as starring and writing the film That Thing You Do! (1996).

The most talented actor ever to live. Not only is he a great actor but he is also very modest and sincere in real life. Some of his most well-received movies have been: Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Cast Away, Toy Story, and Saving Private Ryan. Anyone who doesn't like his acting or think he is a bad actor does not know what they are talking about. He has been married to the same woman for the last 25 years which is amazing for someone that famous. I prefer him in the movie You've got mail.

Ignoramus: Tom Hanks is a sucky actor.

Intellectual: Why?

Ignoramus: He seems retarded.

Intellectual: Not many "retards" are actors whose movies have grossed over 3 billion dollars. Plus, even when he plays a "retard" in Forrest Gump he is still somewhat smart and loveable. :)